William d



(No Modell) W. D. HALL.

SHOE. I

Patented Nov. 16,1897.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM D. HALL, OF BELOIT, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNO R TO JOHN FOSTER &

00., OF SAME PLACE.

SHOE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 593,576, dated November 16, 1897.

Application filed January 4, 1897. Serial No. 617,881. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, W'ILLIAM D. HALL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Beloit, in the county of Rock and State of W'iscousin, have invented a new and useful Shoe, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to high-top boots, and particularly to the class known as bicycle boots or shoes.

Since bicycling has been so universally adopted a demand has been created for boots or shoes for such use. Taste, comfort, and convenience has led to the adoption of hightop boots for this purpose. The main objection to a successful high-top boot for the purpose named has been the tendency of the high top of the boot to sag down and fall in wrinkles about the ankle under the action of the limb in cycling or in walking, the tendency to work down being developed to a greater eX- tent in cycling than in walking. This sagging down or wrinkling of the top of the boot or shoe is exceedingly objectionable, as it destroys the symmetry and neatness of the appearance and shape. Moreover, in putting on a high-top boot or shoe the unsupported top sags or folds down about the ankles during the operation of lacing or buttoning the lower part, causing annoyance and interfering with the buttoning or lacing operation, and any attempt to hold such top up by hand results in awkwardness and inconvenience in effecting the lacing or buttoning of the lower part of the shoe.

It is the object of the present invention to remedy these defects and to avoid the objections noted.

lVith this object in view the invention consists, substantially, in the construction, combination, location, and arrangement, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings and to the various views and reference-signs appearing thereon, Figure 1 is a view in perspective of one style of high-top boot embodying the principles of my invention. Fig. 2 is a similar View of another style of shoe embodyin g my invention. Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the construction shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a similar View of the construction shown in Fig. 2.

In carrying my invention into practice I provide the boot-top, at the top edge thereof, with a supporter. prise an elastic garter or band A, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, or, if desired, said supporter may be provided in the form of a strap and buckle, as shown at 0, Figs. 2 and 4. The supporter maybe attached to the boottop in any suitable, desirable, or convenient manner.

In Figs. 1 and 3 I have shown the band or garter A attached to the boot-top by slitting the inside facingof the said top vertically on opposite sides of the back seam B and through which slits one end of the material from which the band or garter is made is passed and brought around in front to meet the other end of such material and the said ends being then secured together in any suitable or desirable manner. Of course it will be readily understood that I do not wish to limit or confine myself to this manner of attaching the supporter to the shoe-top, as said supporter may be attached to the shoe-top in any other suitable or convenient manner and still fall within the spirit and scope of my invention. For instance, and as shown in Figs. 2 and 4:, the said supporter may be attached on the outside of the boot-top and adjacent to its upper edge.

In Figs. 1 and 3 I have shown my invention applied to a cloth-top boot or shoe; but it is apparent that the said invention may also be applied to a leather-top or other style of hightop boot or shoe, as indicated in Figs. 2 and at.

When it is desired to put on a shoe or boot embodying my invention, the foot is firstpassed through the garter or band A and then inserted into the shoe, the said top being then drawn up to the limit of its length, or in the case of a buckle and strap, as indicated at O, the foot may be first introduced to the shoe and the supporter buckled around the limb. Thus the boot-top is efficiently supported at full length and is prevented from sagging down or wrinkling about the ankles. I preferably arrange the support at an angle to the top edge of the boot-top, as shown, in order This supporter may com- I to secure greater efficiency.- Moreover, by thus supporting the top of the boot-at full length and preventing the same from sagging or folding down both hands of the wearer are free to effect a lacing or buttonin g of the shoe, and such lacing or buttonin g is effected with out annoyance or interference from the sagging of the boot-top.

From the foregoing description it will be readily seen that the boot-top is supported at full length, and any tendency thereof to sag or fold or wrinkle down during the action of the limb in walking or pedaling is avoided, and at the same time the fastening of such top may be either loosened or tightened to secure ease, comfort, freedom of action, or ventilation, as may be desired, the supporter serving to maintain the boot-top extended at full length instead of depending upon the tightness of the lacingor other form of fastening, as in the case of prior constructions. Thus it will be seen that by the use of my invention I am enabled to provide an adjustable topthat is, one that may be tightened or loosened and which will always be supported at full length and wherein can be secured freedom of action of the limb and ven- Y tilation, thus securing ease and comfort without sacrificing neatness of appearance or symmetry of form or shape.

I have shown in Figs. 1 and 3 a shoe-top comprising the flaps D E, secured together on the side by the straps and buckles F, but of course, if desired, the ordinary lacing or buttons may be employed all the way to the top edge, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4.

I am aware that it is not new to provide infants shoes, slippers, and overshoes with straps attached to the rear edge of the same and adapted to extend over and around the foot for securing and holding the same, and I therefore do not claim such invention herein, but restrict myself to a high-top bicycle or golf boot or shoe provided with a supporter arranged to receive the leg of the wearer at a point above the calf, whereby the high top of the boot or shoe is supported during the operation of lacing the same and is prevented from sagging and wrinkling when in use. It will be observed that the supporter in my case the high top from a point above. the top edge.

thereof.

Many variations and changes in details of construction and arrangement would readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art and still fall within the spirit and scope of my invention. I do not desire, therefore, to be limited or restricted to the exact details shown and described; but,

Having now set forth the object and nature of my invention and forms of articles embodying the same, and having explained the construction, function, and mode of operation thereof, I claim as new and useful and of my own invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States 1. As a new article of manufacture, a hightop shoe having the top thereof made adjustable as to tightness or lcoseness and having an independent supporter attached thereto, said supporter adapted to receive the limb of the wearer and thereby support the said high top, as and for the purpose set forth.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a hightop bicycle or golf shoe or boot having an independent supporter attached to the upper edge thereof only at one point, said supporter arranged to receive the limb of the wearer at a point above the calf and to thereby support the high-top boot or shoe from a point above the top edge, as and for the purpose set forth.

3. As a new article of manufacture a hightop bicycle or golf shoe or boot having an independent supporter attached to the rear portion of the upper edge thereof, and extending freely upwardly and forwardly from said point of attachment, said supporter adapted to receive the limb of the wearer at a point above the calf and to thereby support the top of the shoe or boot from a point above its top edge, as and for the purpose set forth.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 30th'day of December, 1896.

WILLIAM D. HALL.

Attest:

F. E. KUNZ, O. R. FOSTER. 

